Spare by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
Read by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex [Random House Audio]
Stifled by protocol his entire life, Prince Harry has a lot to say as he addresses rumors and lies in his memoir. His narrative style reflects a strong reserve of emotions, and his performance remains at an emotional distance for most of the audiobook. Occasionally, such as when he discusses his military service in Afghanistan, his fear and anger come through, and when he recounts his confrontation with his brother, William, his pace quickens. Harry’s fascinating journey doesn’t disappoint, and this audiobook provides glimpses of the many emotions that lie beneath his seemingly relaxed, reserved exterior.
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
Read by Mikhaila Aaseng, Jay Aaseng, AudioFile Earphones Award [Penguin Audio]
Narrator Mikhaila Aaseng gives a chilling performance of this horror story. Louise reluctantly returns to her family home after her parents die. As she’s forced to work with her estranged deadbeat brother in order to clean and sell the property, she learns that the house has other plans. Louise is voiced with crisp logic, then Aaseng’s masterful pacing perfectly ramps up the tension, immersing listeners in Louise’s rising panic. Jay Aaseng casually narrates a brief segment from the brother’s point of view, revealing horrifying truths.
Waypoints: My Scottish Journey by Sam Heughan
Read by Sam Heughan, AudioFile Earphones Award [Hachette Audio]
Sam Heughan, OUTLANDER’s Jamie Fraser, recounts his journey across the 96 miles of Scotland’s West Highland Way. The story becomes a metaphor for Heughan’s life as an actor in this atmospheric and absorbing memoir. He gives a spirited and heartwarming performance as he interweaves stories of becoming an actor into the details of his arduous trek across the magnificent Scottish landscape. His swoon-worthy Scottish accent highlights his charm and self-effacing humor, and the inclusion of live recordings made during Heughan’s hike, complete with the sounds of strong wind and heavy rain, are a lovely addition.
The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton
Read by Rosemary Benson, AudioFile Earphones Award [Hachette Audio]
A captivating performance by Rosemary Benson highlights this arresting dystopian story of a woman’s struggle to survive in a dying world. Born during a massive storm, Wanda grew up watching her surroundings deteriorate and learning how to survive. In this post-apocalyptic Florida, Wanda’s life depends upon her ability to adapt. Benson delivers tension as thick as the swampy air, and adds color and brightness to the more hopeful moments. Author Brooks-Dalton achieves a disturbing look at the effects of climate change, and Benson’s exceptionally perceptive narration makes Wanda’s plight personal.
They're Going to Love You by Meg Howrey
Read by Meg Howrey, AudioFile Earphones Award [Random House Audio]
Meg Howrey performs her latest novel, a captivating story set in 1980s and ‘90s Manhattan. Carlisle is estranged from her father Robert and intent on losing herself in her work as a choreographer. Howrey’s narration creates an emotionally intimate listening experience as Carlisle receives a call from James, her father’s partner, telling her that Robert is on his deathbed. Howrey conveys every moment of suspense with her subtle performance and attention to detail. Listeners will be enraptured to the very last sentence.
Rachel: A Play in Three Acts by Angelina Weld Grimké
Read by Leon Nixon, Tamika Katon-Donegal, Sean Crisden, Karen Chilton, Cary Hite, Adenrele Ojo, Shayna Small, Cortney Wright, Ron Butler, AudioFile Earphones Award [Brilliance Audio]
Leading a cast of well-established, award-winning African American voice talents, Tamika Katon-Donegal gives a voice full of bright sensitivity, intelligence, and hope to Rachel, a young early-twentieth-century Black woman. When Rachel runs headlong into the real-life horrors of American racism, she doubts whether she can follow her dreams. Written by author, teacher, and activist Angelina Weld Grimké, the play was first performed in 1916 and is presented here as a staged reading with directions and notes delivered by the narrator (Leon Nixon). A wonderful rediscovered gem of African American theater.
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
Read by Soneela Nankani [Random House Audio]
Soneela Nankani’s lilting voice turns this genre-bending novel—part comedy/part mystery—into an exciting adventure. Five years after Geeta’s brutish husband disappears, everyone in her tiny Indian village believes she murdered him. Soon, other village women seek her help to rid themselves of their vicious husbands. This results in danger, confusion, and occasional hilarity. Nankani’s performance highlights her superb acting skills, and her deft, subtle narration captures author Parini Shroff’s dark humor. Delivering clever, stinging dialogue, Nankani allows the women’s stories to unfold, revealing the terrible secret abuses they’ve suffered, as well as highlighting the importance of friendships among women.
Playing Under the Piano: From Downton to Darkest Peru by Hugh Bonneville
Read by Hugh Bonneville, AudioFile Earphones Award [Random House Audio]
Hugh Bonneville’s memoir is funny, personal, informative, insightful, and fun to listen to. The world-class British actor has a stunning list of credits and famous friends, as well as an abundance of anecdotes, which he delivers with self-deprecating humor. Probably best known to American audiences as the Earl of Grantham in “Downton Abbey,” Bonneville has also worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He opens himself up with stories from his private life and takes us behind the scenes at “Downton.” This well-written memoir is delivered with the timing, pace, and skill of a seasoned raconteur.
Secrets Typed in Blood: Pentecost and Parker, Book 3 by Stephen Spotswood
Read by Kirsten Potter, AudioFile Earphones Award [Random House Audio]
Private detectives Lillian Pentecost and Willowjean Parker are back, and series narrator Kirsten Potter returns with another smashing performance. It’s New York City, 1947. Holly Quick, writer of gruesome murder stories, hires Pentecost and Parker because she’s discovered that murders from her stories were recently brought to life. But what is she hiding? Potter gives Parker a smart-alecky tone, and as Pentecost, “the greatest detective in New York City,” Potter sounds cultured and mysterious. Plot twists and Kirsten Potter’s narration put this P&P adventure right up there with the best.
Everyone in my Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
Read by Barton Welch [Harper Audio]
Narrator Barton Welch keeps this entertaining, highly original mystery light and lively, even during its most intense moments. Each chapter is dedicated to one of Ernie Cunningham’s family members, each responsible for a death. Ernie speaks directly to listeners, alerting them to what will happen next and commenting on actions as they occur. Welch keeps Ernie’s tongue-in-cheek attitude and comments amusing, and his pace and tone deliver the high comedy of the occasionally farcical events, while his gravitas keeps the more intense scenarios edgy.
This story appears through BookTrib’s partnership with AudioFile. It first appeared on AudioFile’s website.
